FATIGUE

In most cases, mild fatigue occurs with a health problem that will improve with home treatment and does not require a checkup with a doctor

A visit to a doctor usually is needed when fatigue occurs along with more serious symptoms, such as increased breathing problems, signs of a serious illness, abnormal bleeding, or unexplained weight loss or gain.

Fatigue that lasts longer than 2 weeks usually requires a visit to a doctor. This type of fatigue may be caused by a more serious health problem, such as:

• Anemia which is a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin found in red blood cells, a substance that carries oxygen.
• Heart problems that limit the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle or the rest of the body such as coronary artery disease or heart failure.
• Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, in which sugar (glucose) remains in the blood rather than entering the body’s cells to be used for energy.
• Thyroid problems
  • Hypothyroidism (decreased levels of thyroid hormones)
    • fatigue, weakness, lethargy, weight gain, depression, memory problems, constipation, dry skin, intolerance to cold, coarse and thinning hair, brittle nails, or a yellowish tint to the skin
  • Hyperthyroidism (increased levels of thyroid hormones)
    • fatigue, weight loss, increased heart rate, intolerance to heat, sweating, irritability, anxiety, muscle weakness, and thyroid enlargement.
  • Kidney disease and liver disease, which cause fatigue when the concentration of certain chemicals in the blood builds up to toxic levels.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome is an uncommon cause of severe, persistent fatigue.

If fatigue occurs without an apparent cause, mental health evaluation is important. Fatigue is a common symptom of mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression. Fatigue and depression may become so severe that some consider suicide as a means to escape the condition. If you think your fatigue may be caused by a mental health problem, consult your doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

Physician may do/request:

• History & Physical Exam
  • What is your major symptom, weakness or fatigue?
  • Have you had these symptoms before? If so:
    • Did you see a doctor for an evaluation of your symptoms?
    • What was the diagnosis?
    • How were your symptoms treated?
  • What other symptoms do you have that may be related to your major symptom?
  • How long have you had your symptoms? Describe what was happening when you first noticed your symptoms.
  • What makes your symptoms better or worse?
  • What home treatment have you tried?
  • Are you experiencing any particular stress at home, work, or school that could be causing your weakness or fatigue?
  • Are you using any alcohol or other drugs, such as caffeine or nicotine, that may be causing fatigue?
  • What medicines have you used, both prescription and nonprescription?
  • Do you have any health risks?

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Home Treatment

• Adequate rest is vital to recovery
  • If you have a cold, you may be able to stick to your usual routine and just get some extra sleep.
  • If you have the flu, you may need to spend a few days in bed.
• Return to your usual activities slowly to avoid prolonging the fatigue.
• Be sure to drink extra fluids to avoid dehydration.

If generalized weakness and fatigue are not related to another illness, follow these guidelines:

• Listen to your body. Alternate rest with exercise as physical activity may help decrease your fatigue
• Limit medicines that might contribute to fatigue such as tranquilizers and cold and allergy medicines
• Eating a balanced diet may increase your energy level and do not skip meals, especially breakfast.
• Reduce your use of alcohol or other drugs such as caffeine or nicotine.
• Break the cycle of fatigue by cutting back on watching television and spend that time with friends, try new activities, or travel.
• Get a good night’s sleep. This may be the first step toward controlling fatigue.
  • Eliminate all sound and light disturbances.
  • Do not eat just before you go to bed.
  • Use your bed only for sleeping. Do not read or watch TV in bed.
  • Get regular exercise but not within 3 to 4 hours of your bedtime.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• New symptoms develop along with the weakness and fatigue.
• Symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.